1 August 2011
The New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership today (Mon 1) reveals details of its bid to create thousands of jobs through an Enterprise Zone.

New Anglia’s Enterprise Zone, focused on key sites in Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft, is designed to capitalise on the area’s leading position in the energy sector.

New Anglia LEP chairman Andy Wood said if selected by the Government, the Enterprise Zone could create up to 2,000 jobs and attract 80 businesses by 2015 and 13,500 jobs and 200 businesses over the lifetime of the zone.

The Government is establishing 21 Enterprise Zones across England, all of which will benefit from simplified planning rules and a business rate discount for new and expanding businesses.

The first 11 in the country’s largest urban centres were pre-selected by the Government and announced earlier in the year.

The Government is now assessing bids from LEPs for the remaining 10 EZs, including the submission from New Anglia which has been developed for New Anglia by public-private partnership the Norfolk and Suffolk Energy Alliance (NSEA).

Details of the New Anglia proposal entitled Energy for New Anglia were being unveiled today (Mon 1) on the Riverside Road site in Lowestoft, one of the six locations which would form the Enterprise Zone.

Mr Wood said: “The New Anglia Enterprise Zone for Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft is deliverable, with sites ready to go right now requiring very little additional infrastructure. It will create thousands of jobs and is timely because of significant investment plans by major energy providers in the next few years.”

The bid is back by all the MPs from Suffolk and Norfolk, local authorities and business leaders.

Brandon Lewis, MP for Great Yarmouth said: “This exciting and important bid is based on clear evidence and a strong track record. For Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft energy is an established sector with huge growth potential.”

Peter Aldous, MP for Waveney, said: “This is a well thought through proposal. Evidence from the private sector shows that granting the area Enterprise Zone status will make a clear difference. It will be the tipping point for inward investment.”

The New Anglia Enterprise Zone would be promoted to attract inward investment from businesses in the energy sector, creating new jobs and generating business opportunities for existing firms.

Mark Bee, leader of Suffolk County Council and New Anglia board member, said: “We have worked well with the New Anglia LEP and partner local authorities to seek a designation that could transform Lowestoft as a town and bring much needed inward investment to the area. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to build on the real prospects offered by energy developments off our coast.”

Ann Steward, cabinet member for economic development, Norfolk County Council and chairman NSEA, said: “We have put a great deal of effort into this bid and I believe it ticks all
the boxes.
“If we are successful I am confident we will repay the Government's faith in our ability to deliver a substantial number of new jobs and businesses within a timescale that meets the needs of the nation.”

Colin Law, leader of Waveney District Council, said: “Quote to follow Monday am.

Stephen Ames, leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said: “Quote to follow.

John Best, chief executive of the East of England Energy Group, said: “The application for an Enterprise Zone was well received in Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft because it draws on the strengths of the energy industry built up over the last forty years.
“I was privileged to be able to secure the support of dozens of businesses who wrote directly to the Minister with a strong message through one compelling voice about the opportunities to grow and create employment.”

The Government is expected to announce the 10 successful bids later this summer.